Finding Visual Techniques - Life is Beautiful Joshua says 'thank you'

key words/focus:

camera angle (low, high, eye-level), vectors, lighting, composition

(4:20) How are camera angles used when Joshua says 'Thank you' (not in German)? Which angles are used to view each of the characters? What does each of these angle signify?

A high angled shot is used to demote Joshua and a low angle is used to add strength and superiority to the German. 

(4:45) What shot distance and angle is used to show Guido's concern for Joshua when the German waiter leaves the room? Describe the composition) An Eye-level shot at a medium is used to show the horror on his face. This adds to the tension as his body language is pessimistic. The German's boy language is positive and superior whereas the Jews are slouched and weak in posture. 

(4:46) How is shot of Guido contrasted to the shot of the German waiter walking away to tell someone what has just happened? Describe the composition and compare it to the previous shot of a concerned Guido.

Guido's shot shows his back/foreground as nothing to notice whereas the German's shot is in perfect symmetry and it gives plenty to notice and adds to the dominance of the Nazi. The Nazi also shows no emotion and is almost cold and emotionless whereas Guido is full of emotions: worry, fear, pessimism, etc.  

(5:02-05) How is the shot of the German's contrasted to that of Guido teaching the children to say 'Thank You'?

Guido is getting down to the level of the children as to show more respect and he's moving a lot more too whereas the German's are straight, rigid and not moving. Their movements are basic and emotionless, contrary to that of Guido. 

HW: How are visual techniques utilised to evoke empathy from the audience and clearly delineate (indicate) who are the heros, villains, and victims in this scene?